Introduction

First Amendment auditors are increasingly engaging with law enforcement officers in public spaces, testing the boundaries of free speech and the right to record. Understanding these interactions is crucial for officers to uphold constitutional rights, maintain public trust, and prevent unnecessary conflict. This webinar provides a comprehensive plan to guide law enforcement personnel in navigating such encounters professionally and effectively.

What is a First Amendment Auditor?

A First Amendment auditor is an individual, often acting independently, who records police and public officials to test and document their adherence to constitutional rights, especially the freedoms of speech and the press. These auditors typically film in public areas such as government buildings, sidewalks, and police stations, asserting their right to record matters of public interest.

Common Encounter Scenarios

• Auditors filming outside police stations or government offices
• Individuals recording officers during traffic stops or arrests
• Auditors entering publicly accessible areas of government buildings with cameras
• Filming from sidewalks or other public rights-of-way

Officers may encounter auditors alone or in groups, sometimes with live-streaming equipment or visible identification as “press.”

In situations where you are approached in public, if you are not involved in official police action you have a choice. Do not engage and simply walk away.

When you are dispatched on a call involving an auditor or they show up at you station or precinct, then you have no choice but to deal with him. We will cover how to deal with them later in the presentation.